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Off the Grid Announces Vendors for Inaugural Market

The grand opening of the Belmont food trucks market has been pushed back one week to Feb. 25.

[Editor's Note: Off the Grid trucks will begin serving Belmont on Monday, Feb. 25, NOT Feb. 18 as originally scheduled.]

In January, the Belmont Planning Commission granted the application for a conditional use permit to the company, Off the Grid, to operate the al fresco grab-and-go grub that's become so popular nationwide.

Off the Grid will roll its trucks on Mondays from 5-9 p.m.  in the north Caltrain parking lot in the 1300 block of El Camino Real. (On the site of the Sunday Farmer's Market.)

According to its website, Off the Grid "is your roaming food truck extravaganza....bringing you delicious food with a free side of music, craft and soul."

Week one's featured trucks will be: The Chairman, Hiyaaa Roll, Sanguchon SF, Sam's Chowder, El Sur, Hapa SF, Del Popolo and Kara's Cupcakes.

According to a press release issued by Off the Grid, the food truck company began in June 2010, "With the simple idea that grouping street food vendors together would create an experience that would allow neighbors to connect with friends, and families to reconnect with each other. Since then Off the Grid has worked hard to develop markets that are both located in urban cores of cities, and that utilize spaces that are not easily activated effectively throughout the day"

Currently, Off the Grid operates 16 weekly markets in the greater Bay Area, and works with nearly 150+ vendors weekly.

Off the Grid will provide lights, chairs, trash/recycle receptacles and covered areas in case of rain.

For more information, check out Off the Grid's website by clicking here.

Will you try out Off the Grid food trucks? Have you eaten at food truck markets in other cities? Tell us in the comments below.

Read more on Belmont Patch:

Belmont Officer's Hunch Uncovers Stolen Property

CURB's Campaign Against New Jail Heats Up

Hutchinson Murder Trial Resumes Monday

Update: New Trial Date for Former School Custodian

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Jay Hartman January 28, 2013 at 12:07 pm
This is great! There isn't enough variety in Belmont when it comes to food, so this is going to be a VERY welcome addition!
Judi January 28, 2013 at 01:07 pm
Why only Monday?
Michael Williams January 28, 2013 at 05:00 pm
Haven't tried the upscale food trucks... but definitely will.
Joan S. Dentler (Editor) January 28, 2013 at 05:28 pm
Judi....I believe that's the way the market works---the trucks pull in one evening a week (Off the Grid is currently in about 15 Bay Area cities). San Carlos has one on Wednesday at lunchtime at Hiller Aviation Museum.
Bob Cancilla January 28, 2013 at 06:01 pm
Sounds good to me, will check it out.
Steve Hayes January 28, 2013 at 07:00 pm
I will try this also. I wonder why they selected the site - it is fine for me but it isn't centrally located. The space works well for the Farmers Market because that market is on Sunday morning when there isn't much traffic. El Camino is very busy between 5:30 - 7:00PM during weekday nights.
I would think the area to the side of and behind Lunardis would be a better space - more in the middle of town and it is also within walking distance of many apartments.
George Metropulos January 28, 2013 at 10:36 pm
YAY, Belmont! I'll definitely be a regular customer. I'm guessing they chose CalTrain because it's free and there's lots of parking. Plus--look at all those cars driving by at that time. Good, free publicity. You wouldn't see the trucks at all if it were at the Carlmont Shopping Center. Plus, that's private property.
blog reader January 29, 2013 at 02:53 pm
Judi, I think the idea was that several restaurants in the downtown area are closed on Mondays, so this provides a Monday night option. I agree with George M -- even though there's a lot of traffic on El Camino (which might be a good thing for the food trucks!), the Cal Train parking lot is a good option with much visibility. Think about it -- you're sitting on El Camino waiting for the light to change and you look over and see those food trucks and figure you might as well stop for a bite.....
Michael Craig February 4, 2013 at 04:36 pm
I am sure the new 5 Guys Burgers Restaurant across the street will be soo happy to hear that they are selling food right across the street from him. Panda Express ought to be ecstatic too. I love Food Trucks but I am not so sure that the local restaurants literally across the street from this will be too pleased. I go to the event at the Hiller Aviation Museum and it makes sense there as there are no food vendors nearby but Belmont may have hurt there local restaurants in doing this. also have to fight traffic on El Camino Real on a Monday to pick my daughter up at After School so I can foresee a traffic nightmare. There are other locations that would work better and will not be across the street from restaurants and cause traffic headaches.
Tommy Tee February 4, 2013 at 05:03 pm
I don't think one day a week will hurt anyone's business. Besides, competition is healthy. I think it's a perfect spot, and don't see a "traffic nightmare." I can't wait!
Joan S. Dentler (Editor) February 4, 2013 at 05:16 pm
You make some valid points Michael---and I will direct you to the Belmont Planning Commission's staff report on the process behind approving the location of the food trucks market http://belmont.gov/SubContent.asp?CatId=240002557&C_ID=240005234. The city has taken these factors into account, and, as Tommy says in his comment, the trucks will be there just one day a week.
Judi February 5, 2013 at 12:54 am
I think it is great also.... Food trucks are a great alternative and are springing up everywhere! I saw them all around Maui in December. I don't think they are a threat to other restaurants either -- if you want to sit down inside, you don't go to a food truck. I think the new burger joint will be very popular -- has a great reputation. The parking there needs to be addressed tho -- maybe sublet parking after 5pm from the adjacent business lot.
Michael Craig February 5, 2013 at 06:47 pm
I live in Belmont and drive down El Camino Real every Monday night at 5:30pm to pick up my daughter at After School at Central School in Belmont so I KNOW what the traffic is now without the Food Trucks so as much as I LOVE Food Trucks-the reality is that the traffic will get worse and 5 Guys has not even opened yet to establish themselves as a business and they are already losing Mondays before day 1 of opening. The Planning Commission did not really think this through or have never driven down El Camino Real at 5:30pm as I have for the last 5 years. Traffic is light on Sundays and the Farmers Market slows traffic down. Why not have it down the street a bit at the Parking Lot where the Soccer and Golf store are? As much as I love the Gourmet Food Truck scene(I have planned 3 Food Truck Events myself at Malibu Grand Prix) the location will make it really painful for daily commuters.
Michael Craig February 5, 2013 at 08:34 pm
Joan-read the report and no traffic study was shown. They are comparing traffic from Sunday morning Farmers Market to Monday rush hour at 5:30pm. Apples and Oranges. Obviously there WILL be an affect on traffic with this event. I live in Belmont and drive down this street Monday-Friday during rush hour. Does anyone else who commented actually do this commute as I do?
Michael Craig February 6, 2013 at 08:05 pm
I just spoke with the Manager at 5 Guys(briefly as it was super busy today on opening day) and he did not seem aware of the Food Truck event. I spoke with the Manager at Panda Express and she had NO idea that the Food Truck Event was going on as she received NO notification from the City Planners. Maybe the arbitrary 300 feet marker of notification did not extend far enough to hit Panda. Both Managers confirmed that they are open on Mondays and the Manager at Panda's expressed concern that an Asian food truck would be competition as would a burger truck for 5 Guys. She also agrees with me that traffic is already horrible on Mondays at 5:00pm. It seems odd that the city would not notify restaurants that would be adversely affected by a Mobile Food Truck event practically across the street from them. I looked at when this plan was approved-December 18th, 2012 and wonder how many people in Belmont were busy with Holidays etc to notice a meeting about a Food Truck to even go to a meeting. The notification process was in a newspaper 10 days before(not sure which one) and notifications were supposedly sent to residents and businesses with 300 feet. I think this figure is useless because it obviously missed at least 2 restaurants and anyone who lives in Belmont East of Ralston who have to fight traffic on 101 or El Camino Real to get home. We are talking over 300 homes just in Sterling Downs community of Belmont. The City could not have sent mailers to anyone? Maybe afraid of No's?
Jay Hartman February 25, 2013 at 01:50 pm
If you honestly think that the restaurants are going to be that adversely affected by only four hours of a few food trucks, clearly you don't know anything about food retail. Prices are typically 25% higher in a food truck, and they are definitely NOT the same demographic as a person looking for fast-food Chinese or a hamburger. These aren't roach-coaches, these are upscale (and sometimes downright exotic) foods. I notice a lot of people complain on here that there's no business or options in Belmont, then complain when we DO get options. Before you start complaining, experience the options for yourself.
Angel G. Hession February 26, 2013 at 01:17 am
I love the fact that it's ethnic foods and healthy! A nice addition to Belmont.
Michael Craig February 26, 2013 at 03:11 am
Jay-you obviously did not read all of my comments. If you had-you would have seen that I have personally put together Food Truck events and am a fan of the whole scene. What I am not a fan of is fighting traffic down the main thoroughfaire to get to my house in Belmont. Do you even live in Belmont Jay? Do you ever drive down El Camino Real on a Monday night at 5:30pm? If not stop making comments. You also don't realize that other than getting a few dollars for truck permit fees-the lion share of the money for these events go to the owner of "Off the Grid" who charges the trucks an upfront fee of $50-$100 per truck and gets 10% commission off of all the food truck sales. This is around $50,000 a year and Belmont is making a few hundred dollars if permit fees for the aggravation of even more traffic on an already congested street. Sorry that I don't want outsiders like you clogging up our already jammed streets. BTW-how would you feel about a Food Truck if you owned a brick and mortar restaurant that you just spent thousands of dollars to renovate and pay property taxes etc and the city you are investing in decides to have a Food Truck event across the street from you? If it was me-I would be pissed. Belmont right near the Food Truck event has 2 Italian Restaurants, Monster Sushi, Thai Food, Mr Pickles Deli , Totos Pizzeria, a new gourmet yogurt shop etc. So the neighborhood is not just fast food but you would know that if you lived here and frequented them.
Kerry - ND March 5, 2013 at 03:27 am
Seriously, it's a good idea. Thank god all the nimbies didn't get a good whiff of this in time to show up and stifle the first original concept to show up in Belmont in a while. Panda Express and 5 Guys are hardly what I'd call local entities.
Food truck fare ain't going to compete with sit-down restaurants nor a yogurt shop. The deli isn't open at 5PM and I have yet to see a pizza food truck. I really don't see people driving out of their way to come to a food truck event on a Monday night in Belmont when there are so many that take place all over the place. It's going to serve people who are already out on the roads because they live in or regularly drive through Belmont. If there's any place that can handle the traffic, it's a Cal train station.
Michael Craig March 6, 2013 at 06:06 pm
Kerry-I am so sure that 5 Guys were happy with a Burger Truck and the 2 Sushi Restaurants were probably ecstatic about the Asian food trucks too. This did add more traffic and created even more of a headache for local commuters. Lucky for you, that you don't have to pick up your kid at 6:00pm and fight that traffic every Monday night. I am sure the food is great as I have been to many Food Truck Events myself as well as plan numerous Food Truck Events myself. The event is great for locals who can walk there but whoever is driving down El Camino Real and waiting in a line of literally 50 cars now can't be super ecstatic about the longer pile up of cars so foodies can get their fix. BTW-Belmont as a City does not make ANY money off this deal other than a measly license fee for a truck to be in Belmont. The Lions Share goes to Off the Grid who will most likely make around $50,000 for the year. The math is a $50-$100 fee Off the Grid Charges Trucks for the privilege of being at his event and then 10% of the Food Sales from each truck.
I think the City of Belmont could have put on their own Food Truck Event and kept the money inside Belmont versus a San Francisco promoter getting all the cash.
Justin March 6, 2013 at 07:41 pm
Michael--4 hours one day a week has zero effect on 5 Guys or Panda, regardless of the food they're selling. There were no traffic issues--I observed and even asked a police officer. Money is inconsequential. There are some things that are good for a city, regardless of whether they generate income. Please come to the lot next Monday and have dinner. There is so much positive buzz and people talking and visiting. There's a vibe that is good for our city. Maybe you should learn a few backroads, or just suck it up on Mondays. You're sounding like a Debbie Downer.
Michael Craig March 7, 2013 at 06:22 pm
Justin-my response is-Utter Nonsense. Of course it creates more traffic. I drive it every Monday and I have figured out the back roads but it is creating more traffic but you would not know that if you have not driven it every Monday night for the past 6 years as I have. Why don't you try supporting some of the local restaurants in Belmont and stop acting like no businesses are affected because of this.That too is Utter Nonsense. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer but reality is reality.
Justin March 7, 2013 at 08:55 pm
Michael--I agree that your response is Utter Nonsense.
I support restaurants in Belmont 5 nights a week. One little 4 hour window, one day a week affects no business. Period. Embrace the food trucks--and have some wine with your whine.
David Hasselbacher March 12, 2013 at 01:58 am
I love the idea of the food truck market in Belmont. We just tried it tonight and returned home with a few impressions.
First, the assortment of food among the 7 or 8 trucks leaves something to be desired. Where is the garlic noodles truck? A BBQ truck, burger truck, cupcake truck(which closed up and was out of treats with well over an hour left) and a few others is okay but could be better. I think there should be more trucks for more variety and also to thin out the lines a bit since there were at least 20 plus people waiting at each truck. We waited at least 45 minutes in line to order and then get our food, and this was at 8:00. There is no way people are going to wait that long for food truck chow on a consistent basis. They need to work out some kinks and it could be a big hit long term.
Tommy Tee March 13, 2013 at 05:44 pm
That's interesting. I thought there was a great selection. There was Vietnamese, Korean, Burgers/Fries, Ribs, Sam's Chowder, Chairman Bao Buns, Empanadas, Peruvian Sandwiches, and Cupcakes. If you don't want to wait in line, you probably shouldn't go, as it's the nature of food trucks. Once you order, though, you don't wait long. Honestly, I think people will still go and wait in line. It's a social event.
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
George Metropulos June 19, 2013 at 12:42 pm
First thing I would ask is who did you talk you, and have you followed up? Was this something youRead More got in writing? Did they give you a timeline that has lapsed?
Steve Hayes June 19, 2013 at 12:54 pm
The practical solution - just paint it yourself. Sounds like a very small job and the City alreadyRead More agreed it is a good idea.
George Metropulos June 19, 2013 at 12:59 pm
Do you really think the city is waiting for someone to get killed?
Michele Moyer June 16, 2013 at 09:17 am
Thanks Joan - there is one in the sub-head of the blog I posted on School-Force Voices today; wouldRead More love if it could be corrected. Been scratching my head til I saw this post :)
Joan S. Dentler (Editor) June 16, 2013 at 11:20 am
Sorry about that! There's nothing I can do on my end----it's system-wide bug, which I believe isRead More fixed now. :)
Belmont96 June 13, 2013 at 09:40 am
I also preferred the 'old' Patch - this format makes it difficult to find articles that are aren'tRead More that old. One example was the informative article on who was running for city Council. I was having problems finding it and finally had to query on a candidate's name to find. I don't recall having that issue with the original format. Also our neighborhood had a water break line and we were without water for some hours a few Sundays ago. I tried to find out the reason for the break (because of construction or old pipes?) and could not find anything on the Patch regarding this. Not sure if they just didn't report or I just couldn't find.
Judi June 14, 2013 at 07:28 am
Not crazy about the new Patch either. Also, I want to post-for sale, and this section is crowdedRead More with announcements, etc.
Pearl June 14, 2013 at 04:15 pm
Another thing that needs to be fixed: When you go to leave a comment, it takes you over to whereRead More you have to sign in, you sign in expecting to be returned to the article on which you are commenting, but it, instead, takes you back to some different article. PLEASE FIX THIS!!!! Also, please reinstate the feature where we can sign up to be notified if/when more comments are made concerning the article(s) we've commented on so we can follow the conversation. Thank you.
Christa Bigue (Editor) June 10, 2013 at 01:50 pm
Thanks Sam! You should also post this Half Moon Bay (halfmoonbay.patch.com) and Pacifica PatchRead More (pacifica.patch.com)! I'm sure our readers would appreciate the great tip!
Michael Williams June 9, 2013 at 04:12 pm
Strongly suggest Patch readers check all the YELP reviews of this business. Very uneven experiencesRead More reported.
don torre June 4, 2013 at 06:55 am
what do the local Belmont restaurants think of this? do these people pay a license to the city?
Joan S. Dentler (Editor) June 4, 2013 at 07:15 am
Hi Don....thanks for your question. Yes, Off the Grid does pay a licensing fee to the city, and soRead More far, we haven't heard any concerns by local restaurants. The food trucks provide an option to a traditional restaurant---pick up and go----and they are only around 4-5 hours per week (on Mondays, typically not a big restaurant night anyway). Have you tried the food yet?